Fabrication and characterization of PCL nanofibrous networks containing ZnO and Ag for enhanced antibacterial properties

This study investigates the manufacturing and characterization of nanofibrous networks consisting of poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) and its nanocomposites, incorporating ZnO and Ag nanoparticles and their effectiveness in antibacterial properties. The focus is the fabrication of PCL-ZnO (ZnO:1 wt.%) and PCL-ZnO-Ag (ZnO: 1 wt.% and Ag: 0.5 wt.%) structures using the electrospinning technique. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed the successful formation of beadless and smooth nanofibers for all three samples, with average nanofiber diameters of approximately 409.17 ± 106.99 nm for PCL, 226.65 ± 76.34 nm for PCL-ZnO, and 167.97 ± 24.26 nm for PCL-ZnO-Ag. However, incorporating ZnO and Ag nanoparticles led to a reduction in nanofiber diameter. Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis confirmed the presence of ZnO and Ag nanoparticles in PCL-ZnO-Ag nanofibrous webs. The water contact angle increased with ZnO incorporation, showing hydrophobic behavior, while Ag addition increased surface hydrophilicity in comparison with PCL-ZnO sample. Antibacterial activity tests exhibited the capability of PCL-ZnO and PCL-ZnO-Ag structures against both Gram-negative (E. coli) and Gram-positive (S. aureus) bacteria. The combined effects of ZnO and Ag nanoparticles in PCL-ZnO-Ag resulted in broader antibacterial activity, promising significant potential for wound dressing applications.